Position Summary: The Technical Sales Trainee is a structured development role designed to build both technical expertise and commercial sales capability within Barnhart’s lifting, rigging, and heavy transportation business.
This program prepares individuals to translate complex field solutions into customer-focused proposals by combining hands-on operational experience with progressive exposure to the sales process.
Two development tracks are available based on candidate readiness and business needs:
- Standard Track (2 Years): A comprehensive, field-intensive rotational program focused on developing strong technical acumen, operational understanding, and foundational sales skills before transitioning into a customer-facing role.
- Accelerated Commercial Track (1 Year): A fast-paced path for high-potential individuals, combining targeted field immersion with early and active participation in sales activities, pricing strategy, and account development.
Both tracks are designed to prepare trainees for advancement into roles such as Crane & Rigging Sales Representative or Project Sales Representative, with progression based on performance, readiness, and business needs.
Travel is expected for jobsite exposure, training rotations, and business development activities.
Responsibilities & Principal Duties
- Technical & Field Development
- Gain hands-on experience working alongside field crews to understand lifting, rigging, and transportation operations.
- Develop foundational knowledge of crane capabilities, lift planning, and job execution strategies.
- Participate in jobsite visits, walkdowns, and project planning discussions to understand real-world applications and constraints.
- Sales & Commercial Development
- Learn and apply Barnhart’s Sales Process: Discover, Present, Consult, and Close.
- Support Sales Representatives in customer interactions, proposal development, and account management activities.
- Assist in developing solutions that align technical capabilities with customer needs.
- For Accelerated Track participants: actively engage in discovery meetings, presentations, pricing discussions, and Top Account planning.
- Business & Operational Acumen
- Rotate through key functions including operations, dispatch, job planning, and sales support to understand full project lifecycle.
- Assist with estimating, proposal preparation, and internal coordination between sales and operations teams.
- Develop working knowledge of pricing strategies, cost structures, and value-based selling principles.
- Safety & Risk Awareness
- Learn and uphold Barnhart’s safety standards as a core value.
- Identify jobsite risks and contribute to safe planning and execution practices.
- Performance & Growth
- Demonstrate continuous improvement in technical knowledge, sales capability, and communication skills.
- Progress toward independent customer-facing responsibility based on demonstrated readiness.
- Professionalism & Culture
- Exhibit a strong work ethic, coachability, and a team-first mindset.
- Contribute positively to Barnhart’s One TEAM culture through collaboration and accountability.
Required Qualifications
- Education: High school diploma required; degree or coursework in Business, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field preferred.
- Experience: Entry-level role; prior internships, field exposure, or sales experience is a plus.
- Technical & Commercial Aptitude:
- Strong interest in developing both technical expertise and a career in sales.
- Ability to understand and communicate complex solutions in a clear, customer-focused manner.
- Accelerated Track candidates should demonstrate strong initiative and commercial instincts.
- Communication: Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage both field teams and customers.
- Work Ethic: Highly motivated, dependable, and eager to learn in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.
- Physical Requirements: Ability to participate in active jobsites, including outdoor work and climbing. Must pass a fit-for-duty exam.
- Travel: Willingness to travel for training, jobsite exposure, and development assignments.
PURPOSE – Barnhart is built on a strong foundation of serving others. The fruit of our labor is used to grow the company, care for our employees, and serve those in our communities and around the world.
MINDS OVER MATTER– Barnhart has built a nationwide reputation for solving problems. We specialize in the lifting, heavy-rigging, and heavy transport of major components used in American industry.
NETWORK – Barnhart has built teams that form one of our industry’s strongest networks of talent and resources with over 60 branch locations across the U.S. working together to serve our customers. This growing network offers our team members constant opportunity for career growth and professional development.
CULTURE – Barnhart has a strong team culture -- the “One TEAM.” We are looking for smart, hard-working people who strive for excellence in their work and appreciate collaboration. Join a team that values Safety, Servant Leadership, Quality Service, Innovation, Continuous Improvement, Fairness, and Profit with a Purpose.
EOE/AA Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran
Skills Required
- High school diploma
- Degree or coursework in Business, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field
- Prior internships, field exposure, or sales experience
- Ability to understand and communicate complex solutions
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Willingness to travel for training and assignments
Barnhart Crane & Rigging Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Barnhart Crane & Rigging and has not been reviewed or approved by Barnhart Crane & Rigging.
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits feature a standout 401(k) match that compares favorably to typical offerings. Feedback suggests this element meaningfully elevates total compensation.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage includes comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. Feedback suggests the quality of health insurance is a recurring bright spot.
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Strong & Reliable Incentives — Bonuses are portrayed positively and are part of the total rewards mix. Feedback suggests incentive opportunities add perceived value beyond base pay.
Barnhart Crane & Rigging Insights
What We Do
Since 1969, Barnhart Crane & Rigging has been providing innovative solutions to complex lifting and transportation challenges faced by heavy industry – from power generation to petrochemical to renewable energy, and beyond. Today with 56 branches across the U.S., Barnhart has one of the strongest equipment networks in the nation. Barnhart's network gives customers the flexibility of accessing a nationwide equipment inventory. Because all of the branches are part of the same system, customers are never limited to the equipment at a single location. Each of Barnhart's branches has access to a long list of "cool tools" including PSTe Goldhofer trailers, cranes 15 to 1,760 tons, slide systems, strand-jacks, and the Modular Lift Tower. Contact us today and let us find the right tool for you.
